Towards the end of the 1800's the need for education was becoming appreciated and reading was becoming a popular pastime, particularly for miners, many of whom had free time during the day. After several attempts to offer a Reading Institute, initially in a disused cottage and later in the school, a purpose built building was established. The Men's Institute was built around 1897/98, by Messrs Hunter of Hill Head, Houghton and was presented as a gift to the village by Mr. Richard Clayton of Wylam Hall. The institute was used as a focal point of the lives of the men and youths of the village. They gathered to read, play billiards, cards, dominoes, chess, draughts and darts. The membership fee was three pence per week.

During the second world war it became the headquarters of the ARP service. After the war finished it was not possible to renew interest in it's continuing use and it closed in 1954.

(Click the image to see a larger version) New Library	A Public Meeting was held in 1957 and ownership of the Institute was transferred to the Parish Council, who carried out some renovation work and converted part of the building into a library. When the new purpose built library was opened in 1974 the Parish Council sold the building which has since been converted into  private living accommodation. The proceeds of the sale are held in a Trust Fund for the village.	(Click the image to see a larger version) Men's Institute